H2E Interiors |Inspired Design Blog

Beautiful Outdoor Spaces

A Note From Nicholas

Does the summer weather have you longing to spend more time outdoors?  You want to make the most of your yard and enjoy it to the fullest.  This month, we send you the scoop on decorating your outdoor space, so it is as beautiful as your interior.

Our Color of the Month is SILVER – a beautiful accent color for outdoor living.   Decorate your season with a splash!

Beautiful Outdoor Living Your yard is an extension of your interior, and it needs to support your lifestyle if you want to make the most of it and enjoy your space to the fullest. Create an outdoor area that echoes the comfort of your own living room. Do you want a tranquil retreat?An elegant entertainment area?A classically formal space?  Get clear on your goals, and designing your outdoor space will be easier. If you like to use your yard to escape and relax, keep your colors neutral.  Colors that suggest nature – ocean, forest, mountains – will soothe and relax you.  Choose soft shapes for your furniture. Do you love to entertain?  Make sure you have plenty of comfortable chairs and lots of areas to serve. Position seating in L- or U-shapes to promote comfortable conversations.  Use umbrellas to create shady areas. For a formal space, arrange your furniture in a symmetrical pattern. Use classic shapes.  Keep bright colors confined to pillows and accessories so they can be easily updated as your tastes change. Good lighting is crucial in every outdoor space.  For safety, be sure toilluminate driveways, paths, stairs, pool areas, and dark corners.  You can add visual interest by highlighting outdoor structures.  Attach string or net lights to trees, bushes, trellises, sheds, and arbors. Float candles in birdbaths, pools, or ponds. To add more comfort, decorate with accessories that are traditionally reserved for indoors.  Look for mirrors, frames, rugs, and fabrics that are water-resistant and created for use outdoors.

Color Of The Month - Silver Silver is a beautiful color for summer.  Use it inside and out. Silver works for contemporary homes, as well as traditional styles. Mix silver with deep, bold colors for a dramatic, confident look.  Combine it with soft blues for a soothing, rich feeling.  Pair silver with tan for a timeless, sophisticated elegance. Being a relative of gray, silver is associated with strong character.  It is said to enhance patience and perseverance, drawing negative energy out from the body and replacing it with positive energy. The trend for the season is to add splashes of color, and silver is a great addition for bringing out your colorful accents.

Easy Ideas for December Decorating‏

A Note From Nicholas

While it may be a nice dream to transform the whole house and redecorate for every season or holiday, the truth is that most of us don’t have the time or resources.  But we still want a festive look in our homes.  The good news is that it only takes a few small, well-placed accessories to create a completely new look and evoke the joyous mood of the season.

Enjoy the ideas in this month’s article, and enjoy your holiday season!

Fun Decorating Ideas for December

Creative holiday decorating isn’t about spending lots of money.  It’s about using your imagination and adding your personality.  

Before you run out and purchase expensive accessories, look around your home to see what you already have.  Chances are that you have everything you need to create your own unique, personal decorations.

Dress the chairs.  As you get ready to dine with friends and family, think beyond traditional table décor.  Adding glamour to your chairs is a simple way to create a big effect.  Get creative.  Tie a winter mitten to the back of a seat and use it as a “vase” for flowers.  Holiday ribbons tied with pine cones are a classic holiday look.

Create “custom” window treatments. Have fun creating your own personal treatments for the windows at holiday time.  Ideas?  Hang paper snowflakes from invisible wire so they hang at different levels across the window.  Swag garland from the top corners.  Create illuminated valances by hanging a string of icicle lights from the top of each window (there are window-sized sets made specifically for this purpose).

Spruce up the entryway.  A festive entrance will create the perfect first impression.  What can you do to surprise and delight guests as they walk in the front door?  A floor mat in seasonal colors welcomes visitors with holiday cheer.  Fresh flowers always add comfort and brightness.  How about hanging decorative ribbon from the entry chandelier?

Got candles?  Take wide pillar candles and wrap them in ribbon, flexible twigs, or thin garland.  Arrange candles in groups of three to create a lovely holiday display on any table.  When guests are visiting, light the candles and turn down the lights for a warm, holiday atmosphere.

Go for a color!  By simply decorating an area with all the same color, you can create a cheerful air.  If you have guests coming over, use a red or blue tablecloth, and match all the napkins and table décor in the same color.  Then add gold or silver accents to bring the holiday mood alive!

Create a centerpiece.  A simple holiday centerpiece will inspire a cheerful, festive mood.  Grab a large container, and fill it with colorful fruit or flowers.  Use a flat platter to display metallic ornaments.  Or create a “gift centerpiece” for extra excitement and color.  To make this centerpiece, wrap small, empty boxes in holiday paper or in colors to match your room’s décor.  Decorate each box with ribbons and bows.  Then place the “gifts” in a decorative container, or arrange them in the center of the table with fresh pine greenery.

You may be amazed at how easily and quickly you can add holiday cheer to your home!

Color Of The Month - Metallic

Add a touch of luxury to any room with metallic color.  Metallics enhance a space with light and depth, creating a warm, cheerful feeling.

Walls: Liven up a room by covering your walls in a metallic paint.  You can get metallic paint in almost any color.  Paint all the walls to immerse yourself in lavish splendor.  Or use a translucent metallic glaze over your existing paint to simply add a pretty luster.  You can also create one beautiful accent wall. 

Metallic wallpaper is another way to glam up your walls.  They come in many patterns, colors, and textures, and will add depth and excitement.

Ceilings:Inject a dramatic punch to a room by covering the ceiling in a metallic paint or wallpaper.  When light is focused up toward the ceiling, it glows beautifully and enhances the room with richness and dimension.

Fabrics: Nothing says luxury like metallic fabrics.  A little bit goes a long way.

Accessories: Accessories are the quickest way to add metallic color to a space.  Introduce a few pieces, and you’ll have a fresh look.  Replacing cabinet hardware with metallic knobs is one of the simplest ways to transform an entire room.

Fire Up Your Fireplace

A Note From Nicholas

As the winter slowly creeps towards us, we have a natural tendency to spend more time in our homes.  And what better way to warm up than to sit around the fireplace?

This month’s article gives you inspiration for decorating the mantel and the space above your fireplace.  And check out our Color of the Month for a great hue that will warm you up and help you feel cozy throughout the entire season.

Have a great month!

Fire Up Your Fireplace

Decorating a fireplace can make a huge impact on a room. Because the fireplace is often the focal point of a space, make sure you treat it as the special piece that it is.

 

 

Before decorating your fireplace, look at the rest of the room. The style and colors of your furnishings will determine the direction for your fireplace décor. If the room is contemporary, stick with straight lines and sleek accessories for the mantel. For a cozy, traditional room, you can add softer lines and a grouping of collectibles.

Often in contemporary rooms, the fireplace doesn’t have a mantel, and you only need to determine what artwork you want on the wall. But in most cases, you’ll need to consider décor for the mantel and the wall above. These are two distinct areas, and need to be treated with different types of coordinating accessories.

Common mantel accessories include candlesticks, vases, and greenery. Of course, whatever you use should support the style of your room. To create visual interest, vary the size and elevation of the objects you choose.

The area above the mantel is traditionally used to display a large piece of art. This works well if the artwork is in scale with the size of the wall space. If your room has a soaring two-story ceiling, it may be difficult to find a piece of art large enough to fill the space. Consider creating a grouping of items instead. You can hang a group of smaller paintings or mirrors, several architectural finds, a few quilts, or colorful plates and platters.

By giving your fireplace special attention, you can create a beautiful space and a warm gathering spot for family and friends.

Color Of The Month - Brown

Brown is one color that never really goes out of style. Although the shade of brown that you choose can make or break a room.

Brown is a warm, safe color that encourages conversation.  It’s a great color to use both in public rooms, where you entertain guests, and private rooms, where you retreat to feel relaxed.

Chocolate brown has been popular for a while, but now the trend is changing, as lighter, richer browns begin to make an appearance. We're seeing browns shift to the shades of spices and beverages. Think rich coffee bean, cognac, and cinnamon!

These tints of brown are being paired with interesting colors - like stonewash blue, desert sage, and silver pink, creating eye-catching, beautiful combinations.

If you are looking to add an accent or create a bold statement, choose metallic shades of brown, like copper and bronze.For more natural looks, use beige shades, like the colors of parchment, cardboard, muslin, and hay.

Beauty AND Safety‏

A Note From Nicholas There is nothing more important than the safety of your family.  Luckily, today’s design products make it easy to create a beautiful home that is also safe. This month is National Window Covering Safety Month, and I want to take the opportunity to remind you and make you aware of important information so you can keep your children safe from potential window-cord hazards. I urge you to read the article below, and follow the basic safety tips. Wishing you safety and beauty!

October is National Window Covering Safety Month ...and your child's safety is our top priority Blinds and shades with cords can be dangerous to children.  The Window Covering Safety Council, a group of major U.S. manufacturers, importers, and retailers of window coverings, provides education about window cord safety.  Check out their website for up-to-date information and advice: http://www.windowcoverings.org/safety_design_tips.html Because young children can become entangled in window cords that are within their reach, the Safety Council urges parents and caregivers to follow these safety rules: Safety Checklist: Keep cribs and beds away from windows. Make sure all window treatment cords are short enough to be out of the reach of children. Securely anchor all continuous loop cords to the wall or window frame. Repair blinds and shades manufactured before 2001 with “retrofit cord repair devices,” or replace them with today’s safer products. Opt for cordless treatments in children’s bedrooms and play areas. Using safety in window coverings will help protect your pets, as well.  Educate yourself and protect your family. Call me if you need any help.  Your child’s safety is important to me!

Color Of The Month - Orange Orange is definitely a color that draws attention. It evokes feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. Orange increases the body's metabolism and heart rate, making you feel happy and energetic. There is nothing even remotely calm about orange. Despite its cheerfulness, pure orange is often too bold and brilliant for use in interior design - at least as a main color - but it's a wonderful color to use as an accent. Toss some orange pillows on a subdued couch to brighten up a room. Add a vase of bright orange flowers to enliven a space. Paint one wall orange as an exciting focal point. Tints of orange are very popular in home design. Think peach, apricot, and terra cotta. These orange shades create warm, welcoming environments. When you're ready for more fun, think orange!

Who’s Afraid of Color?

A Note From Nicholas After a summer packed with sun and outdoor fun, we’ll be spending more time indoors. But that doesn’t mean our environment has to be any less cheerful.  One of the easiest ways to change the feeling of a room and add outdoor freshness is with color. A bit afraid of choosing the wrong color? Not after you read this month’s feature article.  Also check out the color of the month.  Yellow is a sure way to add sunny warmth to a home. It’s a great time to add color to your home... and your life!

Who’s Afraid of Color? Color Dos and Don’ts Color is such an important part of making a home feel great. But it can be a bit scary to make color choices – unless you know a few simple tips. Avoid these common mistakes and learn several tricks, and you’ll feel confident about choosing color for your space. DON’T... ...choose colors in a paint store. Colors change drastically depending on the light, so they can look very different in your own home. When deciding on colors, make sure to look at them in the space they will be used. ...forget the ceiling. A white ceiling may be the best choice, but don’t just leave it white by default. A room looks much more finished when the ceiling is deliberately painted to coordinate and harmonize with the décor. ...ignore accessories. While paint is the most common way to add color, don’t forget that incorporating pillows, fabrics, area rugs, and other accessories is a great way to add splashes of color – and unique personality. DO... ...understand the psychology of color. Colors evoke reactions in our bodies and affect us physically and mentally. When you understand how colors shape your feelings, you can choose ones that help you feel wonderful in your home. ...create flow from room to room. In most homes, you can stand in one room and see other rooms, so there needs to be a smooth continuity. Not all rooms should be painted the same color, but the colors need to work together. Carry elements of one room into another. The easiest way to do this is to paint the moldings all the same color. ...use inspiration. If you have a large piece of furniture or a treasured accessory, let it awaken your color creativity. The background color in a piece of art can become your wall color; a favorite antique can inspire the color for pillows; a lampshade can become the molding hue. The most important thing to remember about color is that it should make you feel good. So be courageous and pick some color!

Color Of The Month - Yellow The cheerfulness of yellow has made it a popular choice for clothing and interiors, especially this time of year, when the days are getting shorter. There are so many shades and tints of yellow that it can be used in almost any room. A soft shade of yellow can bring cheer and light to a dreary room. But beware of bright yellows - except in small amounts. The intensity can be overwhelming. A room that is painted all bright yellow can cause turmoil, anger, agitation, and hostility. Small doses of bright yellows added to a room with accessories add punch, cheerfully catch the eye, and make rooms feel lively. When using the color yellow, think of natural sunlight . Soft, warm rays have a soothing and uplifting effect, while bright, hot rays can cause discomfort and disorientation.

Feng Shui Made Simple

Have you ever wondered about Feng Shui?  What is it?  Does it really improve a home’s atmosphere?  How does it work? This month’s article gives you the basics of Feng Shui, so you can begin to understand how to incorporate it into your home.  Think about what type of energy you’d like to have in your home, and see which elements help you achieve your goal. And add some more relaxation to your summer with the color BLUE. Hope you’re enjoying the season! Feng Shui Made Simple Improve your environment and improve your life! That is the simplified idea of what Feng Shui can do for you. We know that we feel better and operate more effectively in the right atmosphere. Becoming aware of the basics of Feng Shui will help you correct areas in your home that aren’t working for you, and allow you to create the right environment for you and your family. Feng Shui incorporates five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element invokes a different mood or attribute. When you incorporate all five elements into every room design – enhancing specific elements according to your unique objectives, you can create a customized space that is beneficial for your family’s personal needs and goals. Wood represents the rising sun. It has an active energy, and it evokes the power of creativity and expansion. You can use wooden objects to promote motivation, inspiration, and passion.    To add more wood energy to a room, use vertical shapes. Fire is seen as the most powerful of all the elements. Fire represents energy and passion.   To increase the fire element in your space, add candles, animal prints, and shades of red, pink, and purple. Earth / Soil resembles the secure energy of the setting sun. It generates an overall feeling of balance and stability. If you feel disorganized or unfocused, your space could use some earth elements. Look for anything in earth tones, and use images of calm landscapes. Metal affects mental clarity and logic. The right amount of metal in a room can help you feel organized and focused. To enhance a space with the metal element, choose round or oval shapes; use white, gray, or silver colors; and use metal materials, like steel, iron, or aluminum. Water influences spirituality and emotions. A balance of water brings about inspiration, wisdom, and insightfulness. For water energy, add deep colors, reflective surfaces, and wavy shapes. Water features, such as aquariums and fountains, also work well. With the understanding of the basic characteristics of the Feng Shui elements, you can begin to design your home in a balanced, comfortable way. Play around a little, adjusting your rooms until you create the perfect atmosphere for you. Contact us as we offer a full line of Fung Shui services

Creative Ways to Display Flowers

Creative Ways to Display Flowers So you have a bouquet of fresh flowers. Now what? You can keep the bunch together in a single vase, or take it apart and bring nature to every room in your house! Choose a single, large bloom and clip off the stem. Float the head in a wide-mouthed vase filled with water. Baby’s breath looks fabulous on its own – if you use lots. Secure the stems with floral wire or rubber bands to keep the bunch crowded together. This throng looks rustic and cheerful in a tall vase. Put simple, pale flowers in brightly colored containers. The contrast is beautiful. Cut stems of blooming flowers very short, and stuff a bunch of them into a low, square container. This over-stuffed grouping looks great on a side table. Pick a single, tall bloom (like lily or ginger), and cut the stem very short. Stick the flower in a bud vase so that the bottom part of the head is stuffed down. It will look as if it is blooming right out of the vase. Use unusual containers. Create a whimsical floral arrangement in a shoe. Grab a tin can for an outdoor garden look. Any container that holds water can be used to display your flowers. Have fun with this. Arrange multiple small glass jars in clusters, and place a single flower in each. Display the whole arrangement grouped together in one space. Having a party? You can put a flower at each place setting. Use single bud vases, or float the head of a flower in a wide martini glass beside each plate. Pull off the petals of a flower, and hot glue them around a candle. This candle can be displayed alone on a table, atop a bunch of tossed petals, or in the center of a bouquet of flowers. Tie a bouquet together at the stems, and hang it upside down. When the blooms dry, use raffia to decorate the stems. A dried bouquet looks pretty resting on a book on a shelf. Color Of The Month - Green Green is associated with nature, and so it is calming and restful. In fact, green is one of the most restful colors. It reduces activity of the nervous system and relieves muscle tension. A green room will promote balance, stability, and security. It is a wonderful color choice for bedrooms and living rooms. As always, don't go crazy with one color. Too much green is thought to make people too complacent or laid back. To counteract these feelings (and to add real drama and flair), add splashes of red or orange. Green is a creative option to use as a neutral, in place of the traditional creams and tans. As you can see by looking in a florist’s window, green goes well with almost any color.

5 Simple Ideas for Beautiful Guest Bathrooms

5 Simple Ideas for Beautiful Guest Bathrooms Need to spruce up your bathroom?  These quick and easy ideas will turn a “blah” bath into a guest-ready space in no time. Get a bold shower curtain A colorful shower curtain will add a big splash to a neutral bathroom.  Add a few accessories that coordinate with the pattern in the curtain, and the room will feel instantly transformed. Display the towels Instead of simply hanging towels on the traditional wall rack, display yours in unique ways.  Roll a few towels and place them on an open shelf or in a basket. Stack folded towels on a decorative chair.  Present them on a silver platter.  Your towels will become part of the artwork in the room. Replace the mirror You don’t need to stick with the flat “builder’s” mirror.  Choose a decorative mirror with a frame suitable to your bathroom’s style.  There are so many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, so don’t limit yourself. Update the hardware A bathroom can take on an entirely new look when you simply change your cabinet knobs.  You can go bold and colorful to make a statement, or choose elegant shapes and finishes to coordinate with the existing fixtures in the room. Bring in flowers A vase of fresh flowers is the perfect bathroom accessory.  Cut fresh blooms from the garden, or purchase a nice bouquet when guests are coming over.  This will not only add a splash of color and a lovely scent, but will evoke a cheerful mood. Although these ideas are simple, they make a big impact.  So take a little time to update your bathroom.  You’ll love your guests’ reactions. Color Of The Month - Pink Pink is often associated with love and romance.  But as romantic and loving as a man may be, he is probably not going to be comfortable in an all-pink room.  This has more to do with gender stereotypes than the actual psychological effects of pink. The color pink evokes feelings of comfort.  It soothes, calms, and heals. Pink is most popular with little girls.  But this color can be used as accents in many rooms of the home. Pair pink with black for a fresh, contemporary look.  Add splashes of blackberry pink to a brown room for a dramatic feel. Deep red-pinks are great for the dining room because they increase the appetite, making food taste better. Refined, sophisticated versions of pink can be very comfortable for both men and women.  Look for shades like puce, currant, and soft raspberry.

Designing With Pillows‏

Decorating With Pillows Craving a new look in your living room or den?  There is no need to replace all the furniture.  For a quick makeover, you just need to add some pillows.  It’s amazing how updated and fresh a room can look by simply changing out this one accessory. Pillows run from simple to extravagant, and the style you’ll choose depends on the look of your sofa.  If you have a solid or subtly patterned fabric on the couch, you can go bolder in the pillows.  For a busier sofa, choose one color in the pattern and highlight it by getting solid or tone-on-tone pillows in that hue. Pillows come in every shape, from the common square or rectangle to the more exotically shaped oval.  You can even get pillows custom-shaped to highlight a theme in the room or bring out a shape in your sofa’s pattern.  For additional seating in the room, scatter oversized pillows around the fireplace or coffee table.  This adds to a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Adding attractive accent pillows can also give old chairs a new appearance by hiding deterioration, adding texture, and giving the entire room a splash of color.  Choose fluffy, comfortable pillows, and an old chair can become your new, favorite resting spot. Don’t be afraid to mix shapes, sizes, and patterns.  Contrasting shapes, colors, and sizes is what brings interest and excitement to a family room.  Pillows, of course, also finish off a beautiful bedroom.  Decorative shams, pretty pillowcases, and coordinating accent pillows are an impressive part of an inviting bed design.  Mix and match with your comforter, dust ruffle, and accent throw. Would you like to know the designers’ secret for plumping a pillow?  Gently slap the right and left sides, and then give it a swift karate chop to the top for definition.    Redecorating a room is quick, easy, and fun when you use pillows! Color Of The Month - Lavender Ahhh... what a dainty color lavender is. This shade of purple is very popular with little girls. But it can actually be very flexible. Subtle tints of lavender can be used as an exciting neutral - for moldings and ceilings. Saturated purple shades provide a vibrant punch of color to a room. You can create many moods using various shades of purple. Blue-purples, the shade of a summery sunset sky, relax the body and are perfect for a bedroom. Red-purple, like eggplant, creates drama and excitement. Deep purple evokes the sense of royalty and richness. And as you can see in this photo, lavender velvet can be quite luxurious, elegant, and romantic.

Want to Add More Romance to Your Bedroom?

Want to Add More Romance to Your Bedroom? Would you like to feel more romantic in your bedroom?  No, don’t worry – this isn’t a Dear Abby column.  Did you know that you could create the feeling of intimacy just by following a few decorating secrets?  Here are some easy design tips you can use to add the mood of romance to your room: Colors When you think of love and passion, you probably think of red.  Red does stimulate the libido by increasing your heart rate and breathing, but a lot of red may make you too passionate.   A room that is all red can make you feel angry and agitated – not great feelings for igniting romance.  So use red sparingly, as accents in the bedroom. The most romantic and soothing color is pink; however, it’s the least preferred color among men.  Shades close to pink, like mauve and lavender, are nice compromises that evoke romantic feelings in both women and men. Soft blues are very soothing and romantic, and because they slow your heart rate, they can help you get a great night’s sleep.  A room decorated completely in shades of white is also ethereal and dreamy. Fabrics Combine luxurious, sensual fabrics in rich textures – like silk, chenille, and linen.  Make your bed with high thread-count cotton sheets; a full, down-filled comforter; and loads of fluffy, soft pillows.  Cover your windows with full, neutral-colored, sheer fabric panels that appear to be blowing in the breeze.  Lighting Soft lighting is essential for a romantic mood.  During the day, your sheer window panels filter the sunlight, creating a warm, intimate glow.  In the evenings, use light sources from all directions, and not just from overhead.  Turn on side table lamps softened by lampshades, use up-lights near plants or fabrics to create shadows, and put your overhead lights on dimmers.  Candles are, of course, great for romance, but be extra careful near your flowing fabric. Entice all your senses Set the perfect romantic mood by taking all of your senses into account.  Soft music, sachets and potpourri, fresh flowers, and a large bowl of plump strawberries will all add to a romantic ambiance. The next time you think about injecting more romance into your bedroom, skip the advice columns and do it through decorating! Color Of The Month - Red The Color of Love... red is a very intense color. Used well in decorating, it can create a wonderfully dramatic room. Red stimulates the body. It accelerates heart rate and breathing, and increases appetite. Red is a popular color for dining areas because, since the appetite is stimulated, food tastes better. Red should be used sparingly in the bedroom due to its intense nature. The body has a hard time relaxing around a lot of red. In a room that has a serene color scheme, red furniture or accessories can provide a strong focal point and add a youthful excitement. Decorating with red takes confidence. But while it does make a bold statement, red is also a warm, easy-to-live-with color.

Give your home a little excitement‏

Moroccan Styles

If you’re looking to create some excitement in your home, Moroccan style offers a thrilling blend of luxury, adventure, and mystery. 

Morocco’s varied geography, along with its blend of many cultures, has created a striking style that is emulated all over the world.  Moroccan interiors honor the natural outdoors, with elements like terra-cotta tiles, natural stone, and exotic plants.  A home can be transformed into a glamorous oasis using Moroccan style.

Moroccan Colors

Moroccan colors are inspired by its geography.  Vibrant oranges and reds from the sun are paired with the deep blues and sparkling greens of the sea.  Throw in some golden yellow (sand), silver (moonlit desert), and ochre (mountains), and you’ve got an electrifying mix of colors that evoke the Moroccan mood.

Moroccan Texture

Moroccan style blends a multitude of textures to create a warm, inviting feeling.  To establish that mood, toss layers of fabrics on furniture, use several area rugs, and add texture to your walls.  Set large woven baskets atop a smooth stone table for a wonderfully Moroccan combination.

Moroccan Materials

Moroccan-style furniture is often hand-carved from wood.  Upholstered pieces use natural fibers.  Accessories include handcrafted leather items, perforated metal, blown glass, mosaic tiles, and woven textiles.  Wrought iron can be used for banisters and gates.

Moroccan Accents

Add a colorful mosaic table to brighten any room.  Metallic ribbon can be hung from walls or tossed on floors and furniture.  Large silk pillows and jewel-toned throws are the perfect accents for a sofa.  And don’t ignore the value of scent as an accessory.  Exotic spices can be used as potpourri to immediately take your mind to Morocco.

Whether your goal is to create an entire home of Moroccan style, or just add a touch of Moroccan flair, you will enjoy the exotic ambience that this style evokes.

Color Of The Month - Orange

Orange is definitely a color that draws attention. It evokes feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. Orange increases the body's metabolism and heart rate, making you feel happy and energetic. There is nothing even remotely calm about orange.

Despite its cheerfulness, pure orange is often too bold and brilliant for use in interior design - at least as a main color - but it's a wonderful color to use as an accent. Toss some orange pillows on a subdued couch to brighten up a room. Add a vase of bright orange flowers to enliven a space. Paint one wall orange as an exciting focal point.

Tints of orange are very popular in home design. Think peach, apricot, and terra cotta. These orange shades create warm, welcoming environments.

When you're ready for more fun, think orange!

How to Choose the Right Fabric

How to Choose the Right Fabric With such an enormous selection of fabric available, how do you know which to choose?  To make sure that your design project is successful, it is essential to know which type works best for your specific function. Cotton This natural fiber is a popular choice for home décor projects.  Cotton comes in many finishes to coordinate with most room styles.  It works well for window treatments, as it hangs nicely and usually keeps its shape.  Prolonged exposure to sun can cause yellowing, so use a lining for protection. Cotton is also a good choice for slipcovers and smaller accessories because it launders well. Silk Silk has a beautiful, luxurious sheen, and is available in a wide variety of textures and rich colors.  It is a fragile fabric, so it is usually avoided on upholstered furniture.  It is very susceptible to staining from moisture because it absorbs all the impurities and causes spots. Silk is best used on pillows and draperies.  Sun and heat does cause silk to fade quickly, so use lining and interlining to protect window treatments. Polyester This manufactured fiber is a good choice for many home décor projects.  It is often woven to resemble natural fibers, like silk or leather.  Polyester needs less ironing than natural fabrics, and it resists sun nicely, so it is a perfect choice for window treatments.  Because it is resistant to wrinkles, it also works well for upholstery and cushions. Many fabrics come as a blend of polyester and another fiber, which gives you the best of bothmaterials. Leather Leather adds a rich touch to a room, but it does require work to keep it looking good.   It is often used for upholstery.  Leather fades quickly from the sun, so don’t keep it close to big windows. Nylon This synthetic fabric is very strong.  It is usually blended with other fibers, and adds a silky shine.  It’s strength and resiliency makes nylon and nylon blends good choices for upholstery.  But because it is very heat-sensitive, it is not recommended for draperies. Choosing the right fabric and following the proper cleaning and care guidelines will enable you to enjoy your furnishings for years to come.

Color Of The Month - Turquoise Pantone – the global authority on color – has announced Turquoise as the color of the year for 2010. Turquoise combines the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, making it inviting and luminous.  It evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a clear, bright sky.  Turquoise is relaxing and healing, restoring our sense of wellbeing. Because it is a very vibrant color, designers are using turquoise mostly as an accent, rather than as a main hue for the room.  With both warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to warm neutrals, like browns, creams, and golds. Create a classic maritime look by pairing turquoise with deep blues or white.  For an exciting and unexpected look, combine turquoise with tangerine, purple, or gray.